Building a successful enterprise begins with personal growth. On 10 and 11 July 2026, student entrepreneurs participated in a transformative two-day Personal and Leadership Development Bootcamp designed to strengthen the leadership, resilience and self-awareness needed to succeed in business.
Hosted by the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the ML Sultan Campus, the programme brought together emerging entrepreneurs, mentors and experienced business owners for two days of learning, self-reflection and practical engagement aimed at developing both the individual and the entrepreneur.
The programme challenged participants to unlock their potential and equipped them with practical tools to lead themselves, inspire others and confidently navigate the realities of entrepreneurship.
The programme was officially opened by Ms Nontokozo Ngcobo, Centre Manager at innobiz DUT, who encouraged participants to embrace the opportunity to grow beyond their businesses by investing in their personal development and leadership capabilities.
Addressing the aspiring entrepreneurs, she emphasised that sustainable business success begins with the individual, urging participants to cultivate resilience, self-awareness and a growth mindset as they navigate their entrepreneurial journeys.
Adding to the day’s inspiration, Mr Atul Padalkar, Founder of Bizfarm, reminded participants that while setbacks are an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey, perseverance is what sets successful entrepreneurs apart, sharing the powerful message, “Failure is inevitable, but giving up is a choice.”
The day’s learning was facilitated by Mr Michael Biyela and Ms Hendrina Khanyile of HDK Training and Development Consulting, who guided entrepreneurs through engaging sessions aimed at building self-leadership, confidence and personal effectiveness.
A highlight of the programme was the alumni entrepreneur panel discussion on “Applied Leadership in Business”, where former DUT student entrepreneurs reflected on their journeys from student innovators to business owners.
Melodious Ntleko, Founder of Takkie Wash SA, encouraged participants to recognise the impact they can make, reminding them that, “Your business has the power to change lives. Lead with purpose and make an impact.”
Luyanda Majozi, Founder of Enigmatic Cotton, encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to build businesses with intention, emphasising that purpose-driven businesses create lasting value for communities and future generations.
Mbali Ngema, Founder of Ksaselihle Fresh Vegetables, shared the realities of building a business from the ground up, inspiring participants with the message, “Starting a business from scratch, building it, marketing it and doing it by yourself is not for the weak. Business owners are built.”
Throughout the two-day programme, participants strengthened the mindset, leadership skills and resilience required to build sustainable businesses that create meaningful impact within their communities and contribute to South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
On Day Two of the Personal and Leadership Development Bootcamp, the innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation welcomed the X-axis Experience Group as facilitators for the session. The Day Two session focused on enhancing students’ critical thinking, emotional intelligence and leadership skills.
According to the X-axis team, “These bootcamp activities help develop thinking skills both personally and in the workplace.” They emphasised that practical exercises foster self-awareness and improve decision-making abilities.
Student reflections highlighted themes such as effective communication, using extra senses, learning from mistakes and avoiding repetition. Many students noted that the activities encouraged them to think outside the box and develop a greater sense of confidence in their abilities.
Furthermore, participants expressed appreciation for the interactive nature of the sessions, noting that real-world applications made the concepts more relatable. The facilitators also provided valuable insights into how to implement these skills in their personal and professional lives.
Overall, Day Two successfully contributed to building a foundation for future leadership development among the students, equipping them with practical tools to navigate challenges confidently.
Pictured:
Photographer: Khonzinkosi Magcaba
Sindiswa Khuzwayo
